Lightning Over Water (1980)
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63% of critics liked it
(8 reviews) -
66% of users liked it
(644 ratings)
Lightning Over Water is a penetrating documentary of the last days of cult film director Nicholas Ray. The film was lovingly assembled by Wim Wenders, whose idolatry of Ray is obvious in virtually every frame of his own work. Dying slowly of cancer, Ray reflects on a lifetime of accomplishments,… More Lightning Over Water is a penetrating documentary of the last days of cult film director Nicholas Ray. The film was lovingly assembled by Wim Wenders, whose idolatry of Ray is obvious in virtually every frame of his own work. Dying slowly of cancer, Ray reflects on a lifetime of accomplishments, failures and compromises, with plenty of screen time given over to his reminiscences of Joan Crawford, James Dean and others who appeared in his films. Most of the film was lensed in Ray's modest New York City loft, a sharp and poignant contrast to the comparative luxury of his Hollywood years. Lightning Over Water has also been released as Nick's Film. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Directed By
- Nicholas Ray, Wim Wenders
- Written By
- Nicholas Ray, Wim Wenders
- Genres
- Documentary, Television, Special Interest
Unrated,
- In Theaters
- Jan 1, 1980 Wide
- On DVD
- Apr 6, 2004
Critic Reviews
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, Time Out
Even with its painful contradictions and discomfitures, it's that current rarity: one for the heart.
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Vincent Canby, New York Times
Lightning Over Water is chaotic, emotionally and esthetically.
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Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
It's a fitting heartfelt tribute to Ray.
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, TV Guide's Movie Guide
A poignant and often painful film in which Wenders and the terminally ill Ray attempt to make a film together in the last days before Ray's death in 1979.
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David Nusair, Reel Film Reviews
Unquestionably the worst movie of Wim Wenders' career and indeed one of the worst movies ever made...
See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes
Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)
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Cast
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Nicholas Ray
as Nicholas Ray
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Wim Wenders
as Wim Wenders
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Gerry Bamman
as Gerry Bamman
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Ronee Blakely
as Ronee Blakley
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Pierre Cottrell
as Pierre Cottrell
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Tommy Farrell
as Tom Farrell
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Craig T. Nelson
as Craig Nelson
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Becky Johnston
as Becky Johnston
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Edward Lachman
as Edward Lachman
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Martin Schäfer
as Martin Schafer
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Chris Sievernich
as Chris Sievernich
- Ronee Blakley
